El Cajon moves toward chicken approval

Roosters won’t be extended an invitation, but plenty of eggs could soon be on the menu for residents of the city.

The El Cajon City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to have city staff look at amending the municipal code to allow residents to raise and keep chickens on residentially zoned properties.

Four speakers came to back the chickens, including two from the younger set.

“I love chickens, it would be amazing to have them,” 9-year-old Fiona Salbato told the City Council. “Fresh eggs every day! My mom has always wanted them. It will be a great experience for everyone. Please make them legal.”

Her 10-year-old friend, Alice Redhead, added: “Chickens are so much fun. When I look in books, I see children smiling and laughing and playing with their chickens. Did you know that when some kids draw chickens, they draw nuggets instead?”

Mayor Mark Lewis was the lone dissenter on hens in El Cajon. Several months ago when the issue was initially brought forward, the mayor expressed concern over the animals bringing Newcastle disease into the city. Lewis did not speak on the measure Tuesday.

Fourteen-year El Cajon resident Bonnie Kopp told the council, “(Chickens) can be given vaccinations against Newcastle disease so they wouldn’t be imposing a health problem in the city. ... They also produce great compost and reduce the need for pesticides and so reducing pollutants.”

Only Councilman Bob McClellan voted in favor the first time, when it failed by a 4-1 vote, and he again expressed his pro stance.

“Property rights are important, we just have to draft the right ordinance,” McClellan said. “So we don’t have 500 chickens on a half acre... we’re more interested in personal use chickens for families in El Cajon.”

Councilman Gary Kendrick, who put the issue on the agenda last time and partnered with Councilman Bill Wells this time, said the time is right for chickens in the city.

Kendrick, whose 93-year-old parents in Santee have two chickens, said he doubted there would be problems as long as roosters are not allowed.

“My parents’ chickens like human contact, they love to get petted, they eat of your hand, they follow you,” he said. “They’re social creatures, and you need at least two or three. Unhappy chickens don’t lay eggs. I suggest that we allow the chickens to be free range, too. If they’re happy, they won’t leave your property.

“You won’t need pest control. As soon as a bug pops out of your lawn, they eat them. It’s like continuous free pest control. And my parents’ chickens each lay six eggs a week. Happier chickens lay more eggs.”

Lifelong El Cajon resident Lily Schworm has been a vocal proponent of chickens in the city and told the council that having them almost takes on what she termed a “religious” feel.

“Chickens are an issue of stewardship,” Schworm said. “The earth around us is to provide for us and we are to manage it. Chickens are a God-given resource many benefits. (Also) my young children can learn the responsibility of caring for the animals.”